As a biogas pioneer in Poland, Goodvalley has the ambition to be one of the first companies in the country to produce biomethane and introduce it to the grid – the company announced during this year’s Economic Forum in Karpacz.
Two decades ago, in Pawłówek in the Pomeranian Voivodeship, Goodvalley built the first biogas plant in Poland. Since then, the company has remained one of the leaders in the industry and actively supports the development of this branch of renewable energy sources in the country.
Recognizing Poland’s very large and still untapped potential, Goodvalley is currently conducting activities preparing for investments in biomethane installations on the territory of our country. According to estimates, 150 million tons of bio-waste originating annually from agriculture, livestock, and agri-food industry allows for the production of nearly 5 billion cubic meters of biomethane in Poland, which is more than a quarter of the country’s gas consumption.
The development of the biomethane industry brings real benefits for both citizens and business. Above all, it means greater energy security – biomethane production is independent of weather and geopolitical situations, while supporting the implementation of EU decarbonization goals that Poland is committed to. The company emphasizes the enormous importance of solutions implemented by the agri-food industry, as well as cooperation throughout the value chain in energy transformation.
"We are aware of the magnitude of the challenge we are undertaking, similar to 20 years ago when the decision concerned biogas. Today, as a company, we cover 100 percent of our electricity demand thanks to biogas plants, and with surplus thermal energy, we also heat buildings of the local community in one of the localities where we operate. We believe that our determination will inspire further partners and market participants to take action, accelerating the development of the biomethane industry in Poland. On the other hand, we realize that without stable legislative frameworks, social consensus, and a clear investment situation, achieving this goal will not be possible," says Grzegorz Brodziak, President of the Management Board of Goodvalley Agro S.A.
Energy Self-Sufficient Thanks to Biogas Plants
Currently, Goodvalley produces electricity and thermal energy in cogeneration in 8 biogas plants located in Pomerania, which have so far produced a total of 808,064 MWh of green energy. This allows the company to cover 100% of its electricity demand. The biogas plant operated by the company in Nacław in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship is a model example of how an industrial installation can support the local community. It heats 8 residential blocks, a school, and a community center, providing residents with a stable and cheaper source of heat.
"We believe that a company is an integral part of the local landscape, which is why we ensure that the solutions we implement bring real benefits also to the communities among which we operate. In the biogas area, there is still much to be done and we declare our continued commitment to the development of this branch in Poland. In parallel, we want to take a milestone step when it comes to installations producing biomethane. We are convinced that it will become a stable substitute for natural gas, which in the era of geopolitical and environmental challenges and the situation on energy markets can bring measurable benefits. We cannot allow the continuation of a two-speed energy transformation, and as a biogas pioneer in Poland, we have the ambition to help accelerate it and equalize its pace," explains Anita Bednarek, Director of Sustainable Development at Goodvalley.
“From Field to Table”
The “from field to table” business model has accompanied Goodvalley since the beginning of its operations in Poland (1994). The biogas installations, which today are an integral part of it, constitute a practical implementation of this idea. In this way, agricultural substrates are utilized, contributing to the implementation of the circular economy idea. The by-product created in biogas plants is valuable organic fertilizer that improves soil quality.
Currently, the company operates in 28 locations, creating over 1,400 jobs. It manages over 12,500 thousand hectares of land and fields, implementing solutions in the field of precision and regenerative agriculture, which contributes to maintaining good soil condition as well as biodiversity.
